The Portrayal of the Femme Fatale: The Evolution of Gender Roles in the Depiction of a Femme Fatale
Abstract
When male authors describe the word ‘femme fatale’, it is always a synonym for a seductive woman who brings disaster to an unfortunate male hero. But, when a female author writes the story, the definition changes to women who become victims of patriarchy. In turn, they transform into unfeeling women who use their charms to survive in a world where they are viewed as subdued, mink, and consenting objects for a male’s pride and satisfaction. There are two femme fatales who although they struggled to obtain their happiness, kept striving forward and did not let any difficulty fracture their minds and hearts: Lilith and Circe. Analyzing sections of the original works and their contemporary versions will establish how society plays a role in setting the stereotype of femme fatales throughout time. The Book of Lilith by Robert G Brown demonstrates the evolution of the portrayal of a femme fatale through time. In conjunction with Lilith’s story, Circe by Madeline Miller specifies how the author's gender differs in the depiction of a femme fatale.
Faculty Sponsors
Dr. Marlisa Santos
Project Type
Event
Location
Alvin Sherman Library
Start Date
4-3-2024 12:30 PM
End Date
4-4-2024 1:30 PM
The Portrayal of the Femme Fatale: The Evolution of Gender Roles in the Depiction of a Femme Fatale
Alvin Sherman Library
When male authors describe the word ‘femme fatale’, it is always a synonym for a seductive woman who brings disaster to an unfortunate male hero. But, when a female author writes the story, the definition changes to women who become victims of patriarchy. In turn, they transform into unfeeling women who use their charms to survive in a world where they are viewed as subdued, mink, and consenting objects for a male’s pride and satisfaction. There are two femme fatales who although they struggled to obtain their happiness, kept striving forward and did not let any difficulty fracture their minds and hearts: Lilith and Circe. Analyzing sections of the original works and their contemporary versions will establish how society plays a role in setting the stereotype of femme fatales throughout time. The Book of Lilith by Robert G Brown demonstrates the evolution of the portrayal of a femme fatale through time. In conjunction with Lilith’s story, Circe by Madeline Miller specifies how the author's gender differs in the depiction of a femme fatale.
